Alexseal Acrylioc vs Total Boat wet edge

[neophyte1955]

Does anyone have any experience the titled products? I'm building a 20' flat bottom, flats boat, per Spira International plans. Frame, plywood and fiberglass construction. I used West Marine 205/206/207 epoxy. I also used Total Boat Fairing compound. I'm ready to glass the hull with 2 layers of 6oz. clothe. I plan to use 207 extra slow hardner with 105 resin. Any issues jump out? Any known compatibility issues with any of these products and either of the 2 paint choices? Thankd for any assistance on my first boat build.

[Boatbum]

I've used the Alexseal. Goes on well, very durable and easy to repair. I've had good luck with most Total Boat products but have never used wet edge.

[JimConlin]

They’re two very different paints. Alexseal is a two-part urethane and WetEdge is an ordinary one-part alkyd paint. The two-part urethane will be tougher and will stay glossy several times longer. It’ll also be more expensive and more difficult to apply. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to the letter.

[Ethan]

For the Alexseal, check out Boatworks Today on YouTube. The guy that runs the channel, Andy, is just starting up an Alexseal distributorship and would likely be able to answer your questions. He’s pretty savvy with the Total Boat line too. I’ve found him to be a very approachable, friendly, and knowledgeable guy to deal with. Jim Conlin makes a good point though - this isn’t an apples to apples comparison. With that in mind, I’d really suggest ciphering out the expectation and cost aspects and let that steer the choice as opposed to getting too wrapped up in the differences regarding application. Alexseal has a new(ish) additive that several folks I know swear gives roll and tip level finish with just the roll. It’s supposedly pretty impressive and eases the job considerably. Best of luck whichever way you decide to go!

[UCanoe_2]

I am painting my boat with Total Boat Wet Edge one part urethane.

Primer and flat white went on easily with brush and roller. There was some orange peel texture which was not objectionable to me, so I did not tip.

The Wet Edge one part urethane in Flag Blue was a different animal. Out of the can, it was thick and took some effort to spread with a brush. But, when applied with a roller the paint contained many little bubbles. These popped and left a rough texture upon drying. I probably should have thinned the paint for the first coat; the weather was hot and I think the solvent evaporated too quickly.

The weather was not as warm when I applied the second coat of Flag Blue, and the unthinned paint seemed to flow more easily. I used only a brush for the second coat and did not roll. There were few of the little bubbles in this coat.

In summary, I found the Flag Blue difficult to use but white was OK. Other than the type and quantity of pigment, I don't know what was different about the two paints.

[wizbang 13]

apples and corn flakes

[Paul356]

I've used total boat a lot, good results. i think the warning about hot weather, above, is a good one. that is, use thinner when it's hot. TB is far less expensive than most finishes, if that's an issue.

[Sabre]

I use Wet Edge quite a bit. I find it very easy and forgiving if you exercise reasonable care in application. Yes, the viscosity seems slightly variable; I recommend the TB special thinner.

A friend just recently repainted her entire boat, a 38 foot sailboat. She and her husband did all the work themselves using Alexseal. They rolled without tipping using the Alex brushing thinner. It's absolutely gorgeous. They spent an entire week just doing the prep, and the paint went on very quickly. I really am surprised at how beautiful the boat looks now.

[neophyte1955]

Thank you all for your knowledgeable answers. I’m about finished fairing the hull. I need to find out if the Totsl Boat Fairing Compound is compatible with the Alexseal. I seem to remember Andy fromBoatworks Today used gelcoat after fairing a project before applying Alexseal.

[wizbang 13]

Geezus don’t let polyester gel coat get in the recipe .

[Paul Schweiss]

Thank you all for your knowledgeable answers. I’m about finished fairing the hull. I need to find out if the Totsl Boat Fairing Compound is compatible with the Alexseal. I seem to remember Andy fromBoatworks Today used gelcoat after fairing a project before applying Alexseal.

Gelcoat is a really poor finish unless it is sprayed onto a perfect mold surface, it’s not very waterproof, brittle and a complete waste of money as a finish on a faired surface. The two component products are vastly superior in gloss, longevity and even repairability. Many of the single part products produce a very nice finish.
I highly doubt anyone would use gelcoat as a finish on a one-off boat project.

[neophyte1955]

Geezus don’t let polyester gel coat get in the recipe .

I was suggesting that it could be necessary to use a barrier coat before applying the Alex seal.

[wizbang 13]

I was suggesting that it could be necessary to use a barrier coat before applying the Alex seal.

one of us has rong nomenclature

[Ethan]

Thank you all for your knowledgeable answers. I’m about finished fairing the hull. I need to find out if the Totsl Boat Fairing Compound is compatible with the Alexseal. I seem to remember Andy fromBoatworks Today used gelcoat after fairing a project before applying Alexseal.

I’m almost positive he used the Alexseal primer over the totalfair and then top coated with the Alexseal brushable paint. Shoot him an email - I bet you get a quick response that gives you the info you need to feel confident. He routinely uses gel coat as a sealer coat over poly resin for curing, so I understand the question. But, if I understand your original post correctly, you laid the glass in epoxy so the gel coat wouldn’t be applicable in your case.